Top 10 Tips for a Stress-Free Road Trip

The road trip has become a rite of passage for the average American family. It is more than just a simple journey on the road, it’s a rip-roaring soul seeking adventure where memories are created to last a lifetime.

Unfortunately, the special family moments are often forgotten and instead your kids drive you up the wall. Admit it, “Are we there, yet?”, “I’m hungry” and “I’m sooo bored”, are endless comments we’ve all heard way too many times on long journeys.

However, with proper planning the ride can be painless and an absolute blast for all.

Here are 10 tips to ensure you have a fun, safe and smooth trip.

10) Sticky pads – For easy access to important items

Thanks to these sticky car pads, you’ll no longer have to worry about losing your smartphone, iPod, glasses, wallet or any other essential item, amidst all of your luggage strewn across the back seat of your car. Buy them on eBay here.

9) Sing along with a movie soundtrack

Buy a catchy Disney ‘sing along’ soundtrack for a fun and hilarious journey. With movies like the Lion King and Frozen, Dad may even want to join in too.

8) Plan your route around great American diners

Roadfood is definitely a book that you should carry with you, no matter where you are going in the United States. It contains the tastiest hidden treasures along America’s highways and back roads and will lead you to some absolutely amazing diners. Buy Roadfood on eBay here.

7) Create a Food Passport

This quirky food diary will help you plan the exciting food places (using tip #8) that you want to visit as a family along your route. Each time you visit one simply record details of the smells, sights, sounds, dishes and jokes you enjoyed. You can look back and remember these culinary experiences together.

6) Use a shoe organizer for back seat storage

The perfect cheap storage for holding all of the kids’ toys, games and snacks. Not only will it save you mess, but the kids will love delving into the different pockets for entertainment. Buy it on eBay here.

5) Long journey? Don’t pack in a million suitcases

This snazzy storage solution makes it easy to grab what you need for that spontaneous beach stop off en route. Unloading the whole boot to reach the beach towels gets very tiring – this will save you the hassle and make your journey that extra bit ‘care free’.

4) Wherever you have Wi-Fi, screenshot the directions.

It’s a very simple idea, but by screenshotting directions, you’ll always have a backup when you’re in the great American wilderness without any 3G. It will also save your phone battery, data and your bacon more times than you’d think!

3) Create the ‘Ultimate’ Snack Box

“Mum, I’m hungry”! Copy this ingenious invention and use a fishing tackle box to make snacking on road trips the best thing ever. Fill each section with some tasty treats and create an in car candy store. Find them on eBay here.

2) Multi-way charger for all your tech gadgets

The modern day family has countless gadgets between them, making battery life ‘sacred’. Avoid technology feuds by having a USB multi-way charger for everyones’ electrical items.

1) Roadtrip in a box

Create a parcel for your kids to open each hour of the road trip. With exciting new activities to play, time will effortlessly pass by without them even realizing. Ideas for the parcel include puzzles, new books, toys and road bingo.

Why not put some of these inventive travel ideas to the test this summer? Make your journey that bit smoother and more memorable (in a good way) for all of the family!

Original Article Courtesy of: eBay (http://www.ebaymotorsblog.com/10-top-tips-for-a-stress-free-family-road-trip/)